Political

Recently Drunk (Health fascists - FOAD!)

Le Mandolare Recioto di Soave, 2002 - 17/20 (A good recioto di soave, but I've had better ones. Lots of dried fruit, but needs a little more structure to balance the sweetness. Good for the price - this can be very expensive stuff...)

Linden Cabernet Franc, Virginia, US, 2001 - 18/20 (A very well balanced, structured wine that is closer in sensibility to France than its Californian cousins. If you get the chance, try it! Even if the winemaker sounds like a wine ponce! :-)

Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel, California, 2000 - 18/20 (One of the few Ridge Zins that might have been better drunk younger (although it could be that this will open up again given a few more years) - the 1999s are still wonderful, but this is probably just beyond its best. Nonetheless, still full of Ridge's trademark deep, structured fruit and better than almost anything else out there...)

Faustino I Rioja, Gran Reserva, 1996 - 17.5/20 (As the link suggests, supposed to be a top-class Rioja, but I'm not 100% convinced - I'd go for Muga instead. But - especially at a discount from the local supermarket - not at all bad, especially with a good steak)

Joseph Phelps Insignia, Napa Valley, 1993 - 20/20 (I've drunk Ridge Monte Bello, Penfolds Grange... THIS is the best wine I have ever tasted. Complex but still retaining its fruit, perfection in a glass. And even a Frenchman had to agree! :-)